Injured Chicken

[cody22]

Hello Everyone,
I was wondering if someone could help me with determining if my chicken is going to survive. The other day i had my chickens free ranging in the yard as always and I looked outside to see feathers everywhere. I let my dog out and she imediatly saw a fox with a chicken in its mouth and she chased after it. The fox got about 50 yards and dropped the chicken. To my surpise the chicken was still alive but not in good shape. My first thought was to put her out of her misery, but im not really sure if her injuries are life threatining. She has survived for three days now and she is drinking water but not eating. She isnt moving around much either. She tends to stay in one spot for hours and she doesnt have much energy. My question is shoul I watit it out to see if she survives or should i put her out of her misery? Really dont know what to do. any help is much appreciated. Thanks

 

[barredbeans7]

i would put her out of her misery because even if her wounds heal and she survives,more than likely the other chickens will peck her to death because when she has been gone they must've had to reastablish the pecking order,which would make her an outsider and she wouldn't stand a chance...now if you want to give it one more shot at life for her.then i suppose you could put her in an enclosure close to the other chickens,so they get used to her and then mix her in with the other chickens gradually...hope this helps!

 

[tellynpeep]

Have you been able to get a good look at her wounds? Usually fox and dogs will bite the back; I've treated several hens for dog, fox, and coyote wounds. Some of them really extensive and deep. Chickens are *amazing* at being able to heal from bad wounds. If you can, clean the wounds and soak to soften any hard scabbed areas. Apply topical cream or antibiotic ointment. If you can get her to eat (force-feed her if necessary) I bet she will do fine.
Good luck!